The Garifuna culture became present in Japan thanks to national costume of Helen Morales in Miss International 2024. The Guatemalan is competing for this year’s crown along with more than 70 candidates from other countries, and in one of the main competitions of the contest she wore an outfit that celebrates the culture of the Garifuna people, who live in some municipalities of the department of Izabal. , where Morales is originally from. What a chilero!
Helen Morales’ national costume at Miss International 2024 pays tribute to Garifuna culture
On November 3, the Miss International 2024 National Costume Competition where the candidates shared more about the culture of their countries through beautiful outfits. Helen Morales who represents Guatemala in this prestigious competition of beauty, paid tribute to the culture of the garifuna people with a colorful design that highlights the African and Caribbean heritage that is part of our country.
The social networks of Miss International Guatemala highlight that the costume “highlights the African, Caribbean and Amerindian heritage of this community, with bright colors, such as yellow, green and orange, which symbolize the land, the sun, life and the Garifuna struggle ».
More about the design presented in Japan
The suit that the Guatemalan woman wore in Japan, designed by Jesús Barreto is filled with cultural meanings, with elements that represent unique aspects of the identity of the Garifuna people, such as their music, dance and spirituality.
The outfit is made up of a long and voluminous skirt in three stages, in orange, light blue and yellow tones, with traditional embroidered details and geometric patterns, which evoke the ceremonial dances of the Garifuna people such as the Punta.
At the top, pink and white are combined with a heart-shaped blouse that represents the heart of culture. This is complemented with sequins and tornazol rock crystal and beads that symbolize the link of the Garífunas with the Caribbean Sea. Likewise, the fabrics used are light and fresh, such as silk shantunh, which seeks to reflect the tropical climate.
The outfit is accompanied by a turban-shaped headdress made with gold thread lace in the shape of a flower. With this element, tribute is paid to ancestral rituals and mother nature. Likewise, the Guatemalan wears bracelets and necklaces made with natural materials such as pearls and brass, which are implemented in Garifuna crafts. One of the elements that also stands out is a drum, with which we sought to represent the traditional music of the Garifuna people.
Important dates of the contest
After the national costume competition, Helen Morales will compete in the preliminary stage on November 10, and the grand final gala will be held on November 12. In this last phase, the candidates will parade in national costumes, evening dresses and swimsuits, in addition to participating in the final round of questions and answers.
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Interview: Exploring Garifuna Culture through Fashion
Editor (Time.news): Welcome back to Time.news! Today, we’re excited to discuss the vibrant Garifuna culture and its representation in the recent Miss International 2024 competition through the stunning national costume worn by Helen Morales. Joining us to explore this fascinating connection is Dr. Claudia Reyes, an expert in cultural studies and a passionate advocate for indigenous cultures. Thank you for being here, Dr. Reyes!
Dr. Claudia Reyes: Thank you for having me! I’m thrilled to talk about such a vibrant and rich culture.
Editor: Let’s dive in! Helen Morales wore an outfit designed by Jesús Barreto that showcases the cultural heritage of the Garifuna people. How significant is it for a contestant in an international beauty pageant to highlight indigenous cultures like Garifuna?
Dr. Reyes: It’s incredibly significant! Beauty pageants like Miss International offer a global platform that can elevate cultural awareness. By recognizing and honoring the Garifuna culture, Helen not only represents Guatemala but also brings attention to the struggles and richness of the Garifuna community. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate diversity and promote cultural appreciation on an international scale.
Editor: The costume itself features bright colors and intricate designs that represent the Garifuna people. Can you explain what these elements symbolize and how they connect to Garifuna identity?
Dr. Reyes: Absolutely! The colors used in the costume—like yellow, green, and orange—symbolize the land, sun, life, and the Garifuna struggle, reflecting their connection to nature and resilience. The long, voluminous skirt with its traditional embroidery evokes the ceremonial dances of the Garifuna, particularly the Punta, which is integral to their cultural identity. Each aspect of the outfit is imbued with cultural meanings, linking the garment to music, dance, and spirituality, and is a stunning homage to Garifuna heritage.
Editor: It’s fascinating to see how fashion can encapsulate such depth. The costume also features a heart-shaped blouse—what does this represent within Garifuna culture?
Dr. Reyes: The heart-shaped blouse symbolizes the heart of the culture itself. It speaks to the emotional and spiritual core of the Garifuna people, representing love, community, and the inherent connection they have to their cultural practices. This symbolism is further enriched by the use of materials like silk shantunh, allowing for a reflection of their tropical environment and lifestyle.
Editor: And of course, the headdress designed with gold thread lace is another striking feature. Can you elaborate on its significance?
Dr. Reyes: The turban-shaped headdress is vital, as it pays tribute to ancestral rituals and Mother Nature. In many cultures, headdresses have ceremonial significance, and within the Garifuna tradition, this element honors their heritage and spiritual beliefs. Using natural materials in the bracelets and necklaces complements this, showcasing craftsmanship that is an essential part of Garifuna identity.
Editor: Helen Morales’ costume certainly serves as a bridge connecting different cultures. How do you see the impact of such representation shaping perceptions of indigenous communities, both in Guatemala and globally?
Dr. Reyes: It can be transformative. By showcasing the Garifuna culture on an international stage, it encourages dialogue about indigenous rights, cultural preservation, and social issues that these communities face. It also fosters pride among those within the culture, reminding them of their unique heritage. This kind of representation challenges stereotypes and promotes a deeper understanding of the richness and complexity of indigenous cultures, not just in Guatemala but worldwide.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Reyes! You’ve provided profound insights into the power of cultural representation through fashion. Helen Morales’ tribute to the Garifuna culture at Miss International 2024 is indeed a testament to the beauty and resilience of indigenous communities.
Dr. Reyes: Thank you! It’s a pleasure to share and celebrate the Garifuna heritage, and I hope this inspires more people to learn about and appreciate the richness of our world’s diverse cultures.
Editor: Absolutely! We look forward to seeing how this dialogue continues to unfold. Thank you, everyone, for joining us today!